LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A bill in the Kentucky legislature that would expand the law known as The Religious Freedom Act passed a House committee.
The Republican measure, House Bill 47, seeks to make it easier for people to pursue legal action against governments over alleged religious discrimination.
According to House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, the bill stems from a case where a Muslim woman was forced to remove her hijab in front of male officers after an arrest in Louisville. Her booking photo was made public. The woman sued, but couldn't collect damages because the city was immune from the lawsuit.
Critics said the bill will increase lawsuits and threaten local fairness ordinances.
“We care a great deal about religious freedom, a great deal, however, this bill is not helpful," Rev. Kent Gilbert, with the Kentucky Council of Churches, said.
In addition, some House members said changes still need to be made to the bill.
Rep. Nima Kulkarni, D-Louisville, voted "no" on the measure, and said in a news release she's worried the bill will bring a freedom to discriminate.
“We live in a society where discrimination exists, and the legislation that we’re voting on in committee today is overbroad," Kulkarni said.
The bill now goes to the full House for a vote.
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
